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Title says it all. Stupid question perhaps but I would rather make sure. I have a set of norton's and a naniwa 12k. Combined with a vintage that I just finished cleaning up I'm ready to learn to hone. I just need to know is there a protective coating or anything on the hones that I need to remove first?
I know I lapped my Norton when I first got it. It certainly wouldn't hurt to do. You will also want to camphor the edges a bit.
as long as your stone is flat you don't need to lap. GL on honing and be patient
I don't know whether you need to or not but I always draw a pencil grid on a stone and lap it before first use no matter what it is. I just feel better when I do that . :)
It depends - it's really luck of the draw. I've had some hones that I've tried without lapping and found them to be fine. Others arrive far from flat. You can check by doing a pencil grid and do a few passes with a lapping stone, or try honing a razor and see if it works.
I would lap the hones to be sure they are flat. Then you will know they are flat w/o question. If you are asking this question your experience w/ honing is at the beginning stage and it would be best to limit the variables.
Good luck